Distinguished Veteran Awardee Blog William Adams

April 9. 2024

Distinguished Veteran Awardee Blog

Student Name: Kevin Hunter

Name of Veteran: William E. Adams

Rank and Military Branch: Major in the United States Army

Award Name: U.S. Army Medal of Honor

Date of Action Leading to the Commendation: May 25, 1971,

Description of veteran: William Edward Adams

William Edward Adams (16 June 1939 - 25 May 1971) was a Major in the U.S. Army who was killed in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 25 May 1971.

Medal of Honor Citation

Maj. Adams distinguished himself on 25 May 1971 while serving as a helicopter pilot in Kontum Province in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Maj. Adams volunteered to fly a lightly armed helicopter to evacuate 3 seriously wounded soldiers from a small fire base which was under attack by a large enemy force. He made the decision with full knowledge that numerous antiaircraft weapons were positioned around the base and that the clear weather would afford the enemy gunners unobstructed view of all routes into the base. As he approached the base, the enemy gunners opened fire with heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms. Undaunted by the fusillade, he continued his approach determined to accomplish the mission. Displaying tremendous courage under fire, he calmly directed the attacks of supporting gunships while maintaining absolute control of the helicopter he was flying. He landed the aircraft at the fire base despite the ever-increasing enemy fire and calmly waited until the wounded soldiers were placed on board. As his aircraft departed from the fire base, it was struck and seriously damaged by enemy anti-aircraft fire and began descending. Flying with exceptional skill, he immediately regained control of the crippled aircraft and attempted a controlled landing. Despite his valiant efforts, the helicopter exploded, overturned, and plummeted to earth amid the hail of enemy fire.

William E. Adams sacrificed himself trying to save the lives of his comrades. In August 1974, Vice President Gerald R. Ford posthumously presented him with the Medal of Honor for that sacrifice. He is buried in Colorado. His name is listed on Panel 3W, Row 54 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.1

Maj. Adams' conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and humanitarian regard for his fellow man were in keeping with the most cherished traditions of the military service and reflected utmost credit on him and the U.S. Army. His selflessness and dedication to duty serve as an inspiration to all who serve in the military, reminding us of the true cost of freedom and the extraordinary individuals who are willing to pay for it.

The 227th Battalion headquarters received the next day’s missions the night before between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am the next morning. The mission requests came from the Infantry battalions. If there were more requests than we could support, the Brigade assigned priority. The combat assaults usually involved a dozen lift helicopters (120 combat soldiers) on the initial assault. Second and sometimes third lifts carried more troops to the location. Larger assaults (I led as many as twenty-eight) were more complicated. For instance, landing troops around a village from which we had received hostile fire. Those required detailed planning to establish timing and flight paths. The flight leaders and Infantry commanders would meet at brigade headquarters to develop the plan. Very often, the leaders involved would take a high flyover in a couple of choppers to view the site.

Valor ceremony

During a special ceremony in 1972, Adams' family was presented with his Medal of Honor. The recognition that Adams received for his bravery and selflessness continued even after his death. Adams received not only the Medal of Honor, but also the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star Medal. Similar to numerous others who served in the conflict, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial bears his name etched into the granite.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The name William E Adams is inscribed on Panel 03W, Row 054.

Honors

The Vietnam War Memorial on the campus of Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO, is the same make and model helicopter that Adams was flying when he was killed.

Death and Burial

Major William Edward Adams was killed in action on 25 May 1971. His body was recovered and identified on 8 July 1971. He is buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO, in Section P, Site 3831.

Bibliography

Evans, Jessica. “Moh Monday: Major William Edward Adams.” We Are The Mighty, April 24, 2023. https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/william-edward-adams-medal-of-honor/.

“Maj William Edward Adams.” Military Hall of Honor - Honoring Those Who Honor Us. Accessed April 9, 2024. https://militaryhallofhonor.com/honoree-record.php?id=878.

“Why North Vietnam Didn’t Directly Attack Artillery Units during Battles.” We Are The Mighty, February 16, 2023. https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/why-north-vietnam-didnt-directly-attack-artillery-units-during-battles/.

“William Edward Adams: Vietnam War: U.S. Army: Medal of Honor Recipient.” Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Accessed April 9, 2024. https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/william-e-adams.

Vietnamwar50th.com. Accessed April 9, 2024. https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/education/week_of_may_25/.

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